STAT's Ed Silverman shares today’s top pharmaceutical news including Biogen's mixed Alzheimer's trial results and Takeda's job cuts. Subscribe to STAT+ for in-depth analysis.

Ed Silverman, Pharmalot columnist at STAT, kicks off the day with a morning cup of apple hibiscus tea, inviting readers to join him on his campus where clear skies and comfortable breezes greet them. "Who could ask for anything more?" he muses, before suggesting they reheat their kettle for another stimulating cup.

Turning to today's pharmaceutical headlines, Biogen reported mixed results from a mid-stage clinical trial investigating a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease that targets the protein tau, STAT reports. The drug, called diranersen, reduced levels of tau in the spinal fluid and brains of patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s, correlating to a slowing of cognitive decline. While reducing tau has been achieved by other antibody treatments, tying these reductions to meaningful cognitive improvement has proven challenging.

Silverman notes that Biogen is trying a different approach with diranersen, which must be administered via a spinal injection. Meanwhile, Takeda Pharmaceutical announced plans to cut about 4,500 jobs in fiscal year 2026 as it pushes ahead with restructuring efforts to centralize corporate functions and reduce costs. The company expects annual savings of more than $1.27 billion by fiscal 2028 but did not provide details on the timeline or affected roles.

This comes amid a years-long overhaul at Takeda following its $62 billion acquisition of Shire in 2019, which expanded its global footprint but also added debt and complexity. The company anticipates higher selling, general, and administrative expenses linked to upcoming product launches, including treatments for narcolepsy, blood disorders, and psoriasis.

Silverman concludes by inviting readers to join him on the Pharmalot campus with a reminder to keep in touch and share feedback, criticism, or tips. For more updates like this, STAT+ subscribers can unlock premium content including in-depth analysis, newsletters, events, and news alerts.

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